Green Bay — Here is a look at the rookie free agents for the Green Bay Packers who will be competing for berths on the roster.

The Packers announced the signings Friday as they began rookie orientation camp. Two players on the list compiled by Journal Sentinel earlier in the week – Demond Smith and Warren Gatewood – were not announced by the Packers and were not at practice. Often that means there was an injury concern and the agreement was voided.

GERONIMO ALLISON, WR, Illinois

Basics: From Tampa, Fla. Played two seasons at Illinois, catching 106 passes for 1,480 yards (14.0) and eight touchdowns. Academically ineligible for football until his senior year in high school. Played two seasons in junior college (Iowa Western). Went to the NFL combine. Only surgery was for a broken arm in 2013. Made pre-draft visits to Dallas, Houston and Tampa Bay.

Allison: "Why not catch passes from Aaron Rodgers? To play for the organization is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity....I'm an all-around receiver. I have no problems playing the slot or outside. I can run any route in the route tree....I think my chances are high. Whatever I put my mind to I know I'm blessed enough to be able to achieve it. I'll just try to make my name be remembered."

NFC scout: "He's got a chance. He lacks explosion, speed and separation quickness. You like his ball skills and size, and he is an athlete."

NFC scout: "Hardworking receiver probably was a victim of the scheme and the (coaching) transition there. It was a little unsettling. Good ball skills. In the middle of the road for speed and quickness, but has ideal size. Should be able to compete."

KENTRELL BRICE, S, Louisiana Tech

Basics: From Ruston, La. Played 50 games over four seasons, starting 33. Benched in mid-2013 after colliding with a teammate on a slant-and-go route that went for a long TD against Texas-El Paso. Regained starting job in '14. Finished with 210 tackles (8½ for loss), 5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles and 13 passes broken up.

Measurables: 5-11½, 201, 4.43. Vertical jump of 42 would have surpassed every DB at the combine; broad jump of 11-1 would have ranked second to Jalen Ramsey's 11-3; 21 reps on the bench would have ranked second to Miles Killebrew's 22. Arms were 31¼, hands were 9 1/8.

Brice: "(Packers scout) Richmond Williams came down to work me out. I could have went to Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Kansas City. They (the Packers) showed an enormous amount of interest....When I got benched it was a humbling experience. I learned a big lesson. It was something I had to go through so it would never happen again....I'm a very aggressive player. When I see ball I go get ball. I see a person with the ball I try to hit them as hard as I can. I just want my presence felt when I'm on the field."

AFC scout: "He ran a lot better than I thought and he jumped out of the gym. If he can project that to the field with how intelligent he is, they have something there. He's not a thumper. Not going to knock anybody out. Very coachable. On tape, you worry about the range a little bit."

BENIQUEZ BROWN, ILB, Mississippi State

Basics: From Florence, Ala. Redshirted in 2012, started three of 12 games in '13 and started 25 of 26 games in 2014-'15 at weak-side LB in a 4-3 defense. Finished with 200 tackles (22½ for loss), 6 sacks, 3 interceptions and 2 blocked kicks. Declared a year early for the draft. Went to the combine.

Brown: "My agent (Rodney Edwards) said there were probably 10 or more teams. I looked at Carolina and Green Bay but my mind was kind of set on Green Bay. Green Bay does play undrafted free agents. They don't care if you're drafted or not."

NFC scout: "Should not have come out early. Had a chance to maybe play his way into being a fifth-round type player or so in time. Didn't run very well, didn't test very well."

AFC scout: "He shouldn't have come out. He's a lesser version of Kwon Alexander from last year. Undersized. Really good instincts. I see him more as a middle-round to late pick."

BRANDON BURKS, RB, Troy

Basics: From Daleville, Ala. Backed up in 2012 and started last year. In '13, he became Troy's first back since 2008 (DuJuan Harris) to rush for more than 100 yards in two straight games. Finished with 431 carries for 2,264 (5.3) and 12 TDs, 88 receptions for 673 and 3 TDs and 13 kickoff returns for a 15.9 average. Will graduate Friday with degree in criminal justice and report Sunday. Signing bonus of $1,000.

Measurables: 5-8½, 210, 4.56. Vertical jump of 37, broad jump of 10-0, an outstanding 24 reps on the bench and Wonderlic of 18. Arms were 30, hands were 8¼.

Burks: "I did a lot of research on their running-back situation because Green Bay was interested in me since pro day. I felt it would be the best fit for me and my running style....I've got good vision. I can be a power back. It's hard to tackle me. I try to outthink my opponent in certain aspects. I try to be patient and use my feet because that's my advantage against most guys....I told them if I had to come (to camp) I'll miss it and just get my diploma mailed to me. The GM (Ted Thompson) said he wanted me to graduate so they're going to fly me up Sunday."

AFC scout: "Not as explosive as the guy (Harris) they used to have out of (Troy). As a pure runner and all-around skill set, he's probably a little more polished. Runs with a lot of determination. He'll pass protect, and he's aware in that regard. He'll catch it. Doesn't have an explosive gear."

JOE CALLAHAN, QB, Wesley College

Basics: From Absecon, N.J. Backed up in 2011, redshirted in '12 and started last three years for premier NCAA Division III program. Last year, he joined Hawaii's Colt Brennan as first collegiate QB to throw for 5,000 yards (5,063) and at least 55 TDs in a season. Won the Gagliardi Trophy as best player in Division III. Finished career with NFL passer rating of 112.4, completing 918 of 1,429 (64.2%) for 12,883 yards, 130 TDs and 38 interceptions. Also rushed 235 times for 600 and 18 TDs. An NFC northeast area scout and an NFC personnel director both said they had never heard of him.

Measurables: 6-1, 220, 4.98. Vertical of 33, broad jump of 8-11, 18 reps on the bench and Wonderlic of 24. Arms were 30¼, hands were 9½.

Callahan: "I told my agent if the Packers call that's the team I want to go to. I let him negotiate. They showed interest throughout. I like their system....We were the UW-Whitewater and Mount Union of the east. We maybe lost two to three games a year, including the playoffs....I'm strong in the pocket. Arm strength overall is pretty good. I'm not much of a scrambler. I'm more of a play extender. That's where a lot of my big plays came from....We were mostly shotgun. When I came in they gave me full freedom to make audibles at the line. A few games I was calling the plays this year. They had a lot of faith in me."

NFC scout: "Talented young kid. Good arm strength. Very productive on his level. Good athlete."

MAKINTON DORLEANT, CB, Northern Iowa

Basics: From Naples, Fla. Backed up at Maryland in 2011, transferred to UNI in '12 and redshirted, started all 40 games from 2013-'15. Finished with 138 tackles (8 ½ for loss), 2 picks and 28 PBUs (pass breakups). UNI's other CB, Deiondre Hall, was drafted in the fourth round by Chicago. Visited Green Bay and San Diego before the draft.

Dorleant: "I probably got a call from 15 teams. I had to stop. I'm glad I was able to go out there (to visit). Even though they didn't draft me that showed mutual interest....I'm so happy I had a lot of PBUs. I can go back, watch film, criticize my game and see how I can turn those PBUs into at least 25% picks....I'm one of those corners that's around the receiver. I don't feel like a receiver can get separation from me. I have great hips, great feet. I'm excited to go in and compete at the nickel and the dime. I love playing special teams. I have started on every area of special teams except field goal....For the past two years I found myself playing man about 80%. I feel that is a good part of my game, especially going into the next level."

AFC scout: "We tried to get him. He's undersized but he is extremely competitive. He can run. Against bigger receivers at breaking points he'll lose because of his size. Not afraid to come up against the run."

REGGIE GILBERT, OLB, Arizona

Basics: From Laveen, Ariz. Suffered a lateral meniscus tear midway through 2011 and received a medical hardship waiver for fifth season. Four-year starter with school-record 57 games (47 starts). Generally played from a three-point stance as a DE in a 3-3-5 defense. Finished with 143 tackles (27 for loss) and 14 sacks. Voted team MVP in '15.

Gilbert: "Me and my agent looked at the depth chart and saw who they had. It looked like the right fit for me....They're definitely getting a hardworking guy who takes no days off. Going to get 110% of me. Violent play every rep, whether it's in the weight room or on the field. I'm definitely dedicated to the team....I recognize, as with any jump in competition, I'll have to get used to game speed. Definitely I can do it (play linebacker)."

AFC scout: "Looks the part. Has some athleticism, length, size. Just never played consistently there. More of a flash player. He's athletic enough to do it (play linebacker)."

DAVID GRINNAGE, TE, North Carolina State

Basics: From Newark, Del. Redshirted in 2012 before starting 25 of 38 games from 2013-'15. Finished with 67 receptions for 798 (11.9) and nine TDs. Named Wolfpack's most valuable receiver in '15. Cited his 2-month-old son, David, as key reason for deciding to declare a year early.

Measurables: 6-5½, 261, 4.85. Vertical jump of 29½, broad jump of 9-3, just seven reps on the bench and Wonderlic of 26. Long arms of 34½, hands were 10 1/8.

Grinnage: "I was talking to the Bills and the Eagles but I thought Green Bay was the best fit for me. Great quarterback. Great environment....I'm more of a receiving tight end. Catch everything. Great hands. Maybe three (drops in his career), to be honest....I played split out, in the slot, connected, fullback. I have the ability to get on the field and play."

AFC scout: "Big body guy. You hope he can develop into a Y (on-line tight end). He's got solid hands. More of a post-up guy. Not a guy who will separate or clear out a seam. He'll have to make it on (special) teams."

NFC scout: "All he does well is catch the ball. If you get it near him he is going to catch it. He is soft, weak, won't block. When I saw the name (on the NFL's junior-declared list) I said, "Huh?"

JOSH HAWKINS, CB, East Carolina

Basics: From Winston-Salem, N.C. Former walk-on backed up in 2012, started four of 13 games in '13 and 21 of 25 the last two years. Played in a mostly zone scheme. Finished with 139 tackles (3½ for loss), 9 picks and 22 PBUs.

Hawkins: "Miami wanted to sign me. The Texans. The 49ers....They're getting an all-around player. I like man (coverage). That's one of my strengths. I can attack the ball. Wherever it (the ball) is at I want to be there. I can hit, fill gaps when needed, force fumbles, play special teams. Anything you need me to do I can do....I love to hit. Love to be aggressive on the line. All I've got to do is stay consistent and I'll be here for a long time."

NFC scout: "He is a hell of an athlete who blew up pro day but has somewhat gone downhill as a football player in his career. Has a ton of talent and movement skills, but I question his toughness and instincts. As a free agent, you're not going to get too many guys that can move like him."

DON JACKSON, RB, Nevada

Basics: From Sacramento, Calif. Redshirted and also played one season at a junior college (Iowa Western). Two-year starter with 528 carries for 2,371 yards (4.5) and 19 TDs. Also caught 23 passes for 269 and two TDs. Visited Green Bay. Spent three months this winter training at NX Level in Waukesha. Signing bonus of $5,000.

Measurables: 5-10, 212, 4.49. Vertical jump of 38½, broad jump of 9-10, 15 reps on the bench and Wonderlic of 12. Arms were short at 29¾, hands were 9 3/8.

Jackson: "Honestly, when I met that staff and everybody in personnel up there, I felt like they were great, genuine people. I just really fell in love with the place....I wouldn't label myself as one kind of back. I just try my best to run as violently as I can. I pride myself on running angry, running violent and also running smart. We were a downhill offense. I just have to create more ways to make guys miss."

AFC scout: "Good size. Kind of a tough, between-the-tackles runner. Had a good workout. He's a good, solid, college running back. I don't think he played a lot of special teams there because he was theguy. He's a top free agent. He has a shot."

JOSH JAMES, T, Carroll College (Mont.)

Basics: From Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Redshirted in 2011, started at LT for next four years. Had several offers after the draft. Visited Green Bay. Attempting to join former Lions TE Casey FitzSimmons (2003-'09) as Carroll's second NFL player. Signing bonus of $1,000.

James: "When I went to Green Bay I met the coaches and training staff, and one or two players. Coach (James) Campen is a great guy. It (the visit) kind of gave them the edge....I'm hoping to bring a good work ethic. I play a little high, unfortunately, and I've got to work on that. I want to prove to them they were right. It's kind of hard to tell because I've never gone up against D1 athletes, but I feel like I move pretty well....Southern Oregon was one of the best teams we played. My first year we got to play Portland State."

NFC scout: "Big kid. Played at a high level against the schools he played against. Some rawness to his play but a lot of up side."

RANDALL JETTE, CB, Massachusetts

Basics: From Oak Bluffs, Mass., which is on Martha's Vineyard. "Just a small Cape Cod island of like 16,000 people," Jette said. "I don't come from the mansion side." Redshirted in 2011, started 44 games from 2012-'15. Finished with 210 tackles, 9 picks and 36 PBUs. No signing bonus.

Jette: "I definitely think I'm athletic. Definitely a cover guy. I've got some ball skills and try to use that to my advantage. I'm a press corner. I like pressing. That's just my style....That (pro day on March 24) was one day of sprinting I was timed. I'm definitely a lot faster than the time showed. I've run with the best. I'm a gamer....I'm a quick learner. Hopefully, that can give me a leg up with the tons of talent on this team and at least one coach sees I can help Green Bay win. It's about seizing opportunity."

NFC scout: "Jette is quicker than fast. Kind of maxed-out ability but knows how to play. Not the toughest guy, either, but he's getting paid to cover guys. Has some off-field concerns but was endorsed by the UMass people."

TYLER KUDER, NT, Idaho State

Basics: From Payette, Idaho. Played 2011 season at Montana Western before transferring to ISU in '12. Started at NT in 2013-'14 before moving to 5-technique in '15. Finished with 177 tackles (18 ½ for loss) and 7 sacks. Signing bonus of $3,000.

Kuder: "I barely talked to the Packers, then they were the first ones to call right after the draft was over. When Green Bay called up and offered 3 grand for me to sign with them, we didn't wait for any other team. My agent felt like this is a good deal because they need some D-linemen there....We signed a guy to replace me at (nose tackle) and moved me so I could make more plays....Just relentless. Always trying to find a way to the ball. Never give up even if the ball's down the field. I'll chase it....We two-gapped. Just clog up the middle making my linebackers look good....To be honest, I need to work on my pass rush. This whole off-season I've been working on flipping my hips....I broke our (school) bench record. Record now is 505. I almost broke the squat record. I got to 685. Power clean, highest I got was 365."

AFC scout: "He is a high-effort, try-hard guy. Great intangibles, great work ethic. Just going to give you an honest day's work. Probably a long shot to make the team but he'll represent himself well."

PETER MORTELL, P, Minnesota

Basics: From Green Bay (Notre Dame High School). Father, Jerry, is the timekeeper at Lambeau Field, and his grandfather had the same job for years before that. Walked on in 2011 and redshirted. Appeared in two games to run fake field goals in '12, then did almost all the punting from 2013-'15. All-Big Ten first team in '14 , third team in '15. Broke school record with 44.0 average. Visited the Packers. Signing bonus of $2,000.

Measurables: 5-11, 200. Arms were 30 1/8, hands were 9.

Mortell: "I had about four different teams I was looking at. I was most comfortable in Green Bay. I loved kicking for Eliot Wolf and Ted Thompson and Coach (Ron) Zook in early April. I felt it was the best situation for me....I'm a hardworking kid who is mentally tough and am very confident in my punting abilities. I was definitely a directional punter. I'm not a kid who's going to hit a huge freak ball down the middle of the field. I'm pretty confident in my directional and situational punting. My comfort punting in cold weather the past three years is something a lot of teams like."

AFC special-teams coach: "He's not a bad player. He's in my top 10 (punters). He was a little inconsistent. Doesn't have great leg strength but he can directional punt and he punted pretty well in some bad weather games in the Big Ten."

DENNIS PARKS, WR, Rice

Basics: From San Antonio, Texas. Played off the bench in 2012 and was the starting punt returner, bringing back 13 for a 3.2 average. Generally started as the boundary WR from 2013-'15, finishing with 98 catches for 1,507 (15.4) and eight TDs. Signing bonus of $500.

Parks: "I also had Philadelphia, Tennessee and Cincinnati. I just felt Green Bay was a good opportunity. They have an offense I think fits my style of play and the best quarterback in the game....I honestly feel I can do a little bit of everything. This past season the offense and play-calling didn't allow me to stretch the field as much as I would have liked. I'll do the dirty work. I'll block. I'll run across the middle....I think they're (his chances) pretty good. I feel when I'm healthy I'm a pretty effective player."

AFC scout: "He's a size, possession, move-the-chains type receiver. Not a guy we spent a lot of time on. Not a burner. Got a little bit of savvy and feel. Catch ability."

MANOA PIKULA, ILB, Brigham Young

Basics: From South Jordan, Utah. Although he played OLB in 2013, the majority of his 49 games came at ILB in a 3-4 defense. Finished with 144 tackles (12 for loss), 5 sacks, 1 pick and 5 PBUs.

Pikula: "The Eagles called before the draft and the Seahawks kept calling me during the draft to the point I thought they were going to pick up me on their last pick. I'm kind of glad they didn't because I just wanted to come to Green Bay....I have a former teammate, Rob Daniel, who is a corner at Green Bay. He told me the scouts had no clue who I was until after my pro day. He told me the Packers were looking at me. I was kind of sold after that....Good thing about me is I'm very athletic and can pick things up very fast. I just need to be coached. I feel like I move really well. I can play aggressive when I need to....I feel like physically I can hang with other players. I want to show the special-teams coach I can play there and work my way up....I got suspended two games (in '15). It was BYU honor code stuff."

AFC scout: "Undersized 'mike.' Had a good workout. I gave him a free-agent grade. He was definitely not a reject. I don't think he's big enough to take on blocks."

BRIAN PRICE, NT, Texas-San Antonio

Basics: From Lafayette, Ind. Played one year at a junior college and three seasons at UTSA. Backed up NT Ashaad Mabry, who begins second season on Saints' roster, in 2013-'14 before starting in '15. Played more as a 3-technique than as a NT in Roadrunners' 4-2-5 base defense. Finished with 81 tackles (5 for loss) and 1 sack. Underwent shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum in January 2015. Missed two games in '15 after undergoing an injection for a bulging disc in his lower back.

Measurables: 6-2½, 325, 5.17. Vertical jump of 27, broad jump of 8-7, just 20 reps on the bench and Wonderlic of 19. Arms were just 30 5/8, hands were 9 3/8.

Price: "I had a handful of teams to choose from. Green Bay is known for getting free-agent guys. It was the perfect opportunity for me to try to make some noise....I play very violent. I'm very aggressive. The man lined up across from me, I take it very personal....I feel I have what it takes to do it. We'll find out these next couple years. I just have to work my (expletive) off and prove my worth in the NFL."

NFC scout: "Kind of compact. Good run stuffer. Short-area guy who lacks range and twitch. He should give you a good camp because he is big and strong."

DEVONTE ROBINSON, WR, Utah State

Basics: From Delray Beach, Fla. Was redshirting at West Virginia in 2012 when coaches decided to play him the final five games. Played at a junior college in '13. Started 13 of 26 games from 2014-'15, catching 44 passes for 552 (12.5) and 4 TDs. Signing bonus of $2,000.

Measurables: 6-1, 190, 4.32. His time made him one of the 10 fastest players in the draft. Vertical jump of 38, broad jump of 10-8 and Wonderlic of 16. Arms were 30¼, hands were 8 7/8.

Robinson: "I knew the Titans wanted to draft me. Not being drafted is no problem. I'm just going to work my way....I'm a guy who will go get it. I can take it to the house as a deep threat or on something short. I just bring a lot of speed to the game. I can mix it up as far as being physical as far as blocking. I want to make a name for myself....I've played basketball all my life. I had Bethune-Cookman, schools like that, for basketball."

AFC scout: "Intriguing prospect. He's a height, weight, speed guy. He can fly. His hands were above average. The work ethic wasn't consistent. He's got to become a professional. Had he played to his max potential, he would have been a lot more productive."

HERB WATERS, WR, MIAMI

Basics: From Homestead, Fla. Played behind Allen Hurns in 2012-'13, Phillip Dorsett in '14 and Rashwan Scott in '15. Started 20 of 47 games, finishing with 99 catches for 1,534 (15.5) and nine TDs. Signing bonus of $5,000.

Waters: "I had Jacksonville, Washington, Tennessee, Denver and the Eagles. I discussed it with my mom and girlfriend and my cousins. My agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and I both felt Green Bay was the best fit....I'm a dynamic, versatile receiver. Special-teams guy. You can put me in the slot, put me outside. I feel I can make a big contribution with my speed....A lot of players on the team felt like I was one of the guys a lot of people depended on and was there for them and just guided them sometimes."

AFC scout: "He was a target of ours in free agency. Good size, had a decent pro day. Smooth route runner. Good hands. He's a top free agent."

AFC scout: "He's a really good free agent. Strong hands, very disciplined as a route runner, extremely hard worker. He was the second or third fastest guy on that team. He has some quickness but not special. He's a perfect slot guy. He'll be a pest (blocking)."

About Bob McGinn

Bob McGinn is a beat writer and columnist covering the Green Bay Packers. A six-time Wisconsin state sportswriter of the year, he won the Dick McCann Memorial Award in 2011 for long and distinguished reporting on pro football.